Find Your Perfect Beginner Keyboard Under $200!

Find Your Perfect Beginner Keyboard Under $200!

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Best Keyboards under $199 for Christmas
   • Yamaha EZ-220
   • Yamaha PSR-E363
   • Yamaha NP-12
   • Casio CTX-700
   • Casio CTK-6250
   • Casio CTK-3500
3. Pros and Cons of Each Keyboard
4. Conclusion
5. FAQ

Best Keyboards under $199 for Christmas

When it comes to finding the best keyboards under $199 for Christmas, it can be overwhelming with the number of options available. That's why I've done the heavy lifting for You and narrowed it down to six top contenders. As a musician and music teacher with 25 years of experience, I frequently receive keyboards from manufacturers to independently review, ensuring that my students get the best value for their money. In this article, I will discuss the key features, pros, and cons of each keyboard to help you make an informed decision and find the perfect keyboard within your budget.

Yamaha EZ-220

The Yamaha EZ-220 is the first keyboard on our list. With 61 standard keys and a key lighting system, this keyboard is perfect for beginners. It offers 392 voices, including a specific grand piano button for Instant access to a pair of stereo grand piano sounds. The EZ-220 also features 9 adjustable reverb effects and 100 auto accompaniment rhythms. It comes with a lesson function and a metronome, essential for beginners to stay in time. The keyboard offers connectivity options such as USB connection for iPads or external computers, headphone and sustain pedal inputs, and two speakers powered by a 5-watt amplifier. The EZ-220 is lightweight at 9 pounds and can be powered by either AA batteries or DC power.

Pros:

• Key lighting system for beginners
• Wide variety of voices and effects
• Lesson function and metronome
• USB connectivity
• Lightweight and portable

Cons:

• Limited polyphony of 32 notes
• Inability to layer or split voices
• No registration saving feature
• No auxiliary input or onboard recording capabilities

Yamaha PSR-E363

If you don't require a key lighting system, the Yamaha PSR-E363 is an excellent choice. With 61 touch-sensitive keys, it offers a step up from the EZ-220 with 48 notes of polyphony. The PSR-E363 features 574 voices and over 20 different effects to personalize your sound. It includes a grand piano button and the ability to layer up to two voices and split the keyboard. The keyboard offers 165 auto accompaniment rhythms and 150 arpeggiator Patterns for more contemporary music styles. It also comes with a lesson function, a metronome, a two-track music recorder, and a variety of connectivity options including USB, headphone, and sustain pedal inputs.

Pros:

• Touch-sensitive keys for expressive playing
• Wide range of voices and effects
• Layering and splitting capabilities
• Lesson function and metronome
• Two-track music recorder
• Multiple connectivity options

Cons:

• Non-weighted keys
• Limited to 10 voices
• No auxiliary input or registration saving feature

Yamaha NP-12

For those looking for a more piano-centric keyboard, the Yamaha NP-12 is an excellent option. With keys that Resemble piano keys, the NP-12 offers 64 notes of polyphony for a more authentic piano playing experience. It includes 10 voices, including pianos, electric pianos, organs, and harpsichords, along with built-in reverb effects. While it does not offer auto accompaniment rhythms, it does feature a metronome and a lesson function. The NP-12 offers headphone and sustain pedal inputs, USB connectivity, and is powered by either AA batteries or DC power.

Pros:

• Piano-like keys for a realistic feel
• Polyphony of 64 notes
• Lightweight and portable
• Metronome and lesson function
• USB connectivity

Cons:

• Non-weighted keys
• Limited to 10 voices
• No auto accompaniment rhythms or registration saving feature

Casio CTX-700

Moving on to Casio keyboards, the CTX-700 is a recent addition to their lineup. Priced at $174, it features 61 touch-sensitive keys and 48 notes of polyphony. With over 600 voices and more than 40 different effects, the CTX-700 offers a wide range of sounds and customization options. It includes a specific grand piano button and the ability to layer up to two voices and split the keyboard. The keyboard offers 195 auto accompaniment rhythms and a 150 arpeggiator patterns. It also features a six-track music recorder, 32 slots for registration memory, headphone and sustain pedal inputs, USB connectivity, and the option to power it with batteries or DC power.

Pros:

• Extensive selection of voices and effects
• Touch-sensitive keys for expressive playing
• Layering and splitting capabilities
• Six-track music recorder
• Registration memory slots
• Multiple connectivity options

Cons:

• Voice layer volume cannot be adjusted independently
• Build quality may not be as polished as other models
• User interface may be less intuitive
• Doesn't use the latest AIX sound chip

Casio CTK-6250

For those seeking a feature-packed keyboard, the Casio CTK-6250 is worth considering. Priced at $199, it offers 61 standard keys and a massive selection of 700 voices to choose from. It features 48 notes of polyphony and over 100 different effects to customize your sound. The CTK-6250 includes 210 auto accompaniment rhythms and 150 arpeggiator patterns for creating EDM music. It also boasts a 16-track sequencer, 32 slots for registration memory, headphone and sustain pedal inputs, USB connectivity, and SD card storage expansion. With a 12-watt amplifier driving two speakers, it delivers powerful sound. The CTK-6250 can be powered by batteries or DC power.

Pros:

• Huge selection of voices and effects
• 16-track sequencer for multitrack recording
• Registration memory slots
• Separate left-right outputs for PA system connectivity
• Pitch bend wheel for expressive playing
• Powerful speakers

Cons:

• HEAVIER than other keyboards on the list
• D size batteries required for powering
• Uses an older generation sound chip

Casio CTK-3500

Lastly, the Casio CTK-3500 offers an affordable option at $129. With 61 touch-sensitive keys, it provides beginners with an excellent starting point. It includes 400 voices, a variety of reverb effects, and 100 auto accompaniment rhythms. The CTK-3500 features a lesson function, headphone and sustain pedal inputs, USB connectivity, and the option to power it with batteries or DC power. While it lacks some advanced features found in higher-end keyboards, it still provides good quality sounds and a user-friendly experience.

Pros:

• Touch-sensitive keys for expressive playing
• Lesson function for beginners
• Wide selection of voices and effects
• Lightweight and portable
• Affordable price

Cons:

• Non-weighted keys
• Limited to 10 voices
• Limited amplification at 4 watts
• No registration saving feature

Conclusion

Choosing the best keyboard under $199 for Christmas can be a daunting task. However, by considering your specific needs and preferences, you can select the perfect keyboard from the options presented. For beginners and those who value a key lighting system, the Yamaha EZ-220 is an excellent choice. If you prioritize piano sounds, the Yamaha NP-12 offers a piano-centric experience. Alternatively, the Casio models, such as the CTX-700, CTK-6250, and CTK-3500, provide a range of features suited for different musical styles and preferences. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and budget, but rest assured that all the keyboards on this list offer great value for the price.

FAQ

Q: Can I connect these keyboards to a computer or iPad? A: Yes, all the keyboards listed offer USB connectivity for connection to computers and iPads.

Q: Do these keyboards come with headphone and sustain pedal inputs? A: Yes, all the keyboards listed feature headphone and sustain pedal inputs.

Q: Can I power these keyboards with batteries? A: Yes, most of the keyboards listed can be powered by batteries, providing flexible power options.

Q: Are these keyboards suitable for beginners? A: Yes, all the keyboards listed offer features and functions suitable for beginners, including lesson functions and metronomes.

Q: Do these keyboards have the ability to Record and save my playing? A: Yes, some of the keyboards listed, such as the Casio CTK-6250, feature multitrack sequencers and registration memory slots for saving your settings and recordings.